Pipeline laying system utilizing an inclined ramp

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for laying pipelines wherein an elongated ramp means is mounted on a vessel for selective pivotal movement. The ramp means supports the pipeline so as to produce a desired penetration angle of the pipeline into the body of water and is provided with a fixed clamp means for maintaining the pipeline substantially stationary with respect to the vessel during operations performed in connection with adding new pipeline sections, and with a movable clamp means for tensioning the pipeline during payout of the pipeline. An elongate pipe section loader means is also pivotally mounted on the barge for movement between a substantially horizontal position and controllable pivotal positions aligned with the inclined ramp means. In its horizontal position, the loader means receives a new section of pipe after which the loader means is pivoted upwardly toward the inclined ramp means. Thereafter, the pipe is transferred to the ramp means for continuation of the laying operation while the loader is returned to its horizontal position to receive a new pipe section.

United States Patent Nolan, Jr. et al.

[ 51 Aug. 1,1972

[54] PIPELINE LAYING SYSTEM UTILIZING AN INCLINED RAMP [72] Inventors:Clyde E. Nolan, Jr.; William A. Morgan; William R. Rochelle, all ofHouston, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Brown & Root, Inc., Houston, Tex.

[22] Filed: April 15, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 28,732

[52] US. Cl ..61/72.3 [51] Int. Cl ..F16l 1/00, B63b 35/04 [58] Fleldol'Search ..6l/72.3, 72.1, 72.4; 214/] P [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 3,524,326 8/1970 Craste ..61/72.3 3,266,256 8/1966Postlewaite et a1 ..61/72.3 3,472,034 10/1969 Lawrence ..61/72.33,491,541 l/1970 Berard ..61/72.3

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,492,277 1967 France ..6l/72.3

Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney-Burns, Doane, Benedict, Swecker& Mathis [57] ABSTRACT Method and apparatus for laying pipelines whereinan elongated ramp means is mounted on a vessel for selective pivotalmovement. The ramp means supports the pipeline so as to produce adesired penetration angle of the pipeline into the body of water and isprovided with a fixed clamp means for maintaining the pipelinesubstantially stationary with respect to the vessel during operationsperformed in connection with adding new pipeline sections, and with amovable clamp means for tensioning the pipeline during payout of thepipeline. An elongate pipe section loader means is also pivotallymounted on the barge for movement between a substantially horizontalposition and controllable pivotal positions aligned with the inclinedramp means. In its horizontal position, the loader means receives a newsection of pipe after which the loader means is pivoted upwardly towardthe inclined ramp means. Thereafter, the pipe is transferred to the rampmeans for continuation of the laying operation while the loader isreturned to its horizontal position to receive a new pipe section.

26 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTED UB 1 I873 SHEET 1 [IF 5 ll, am

JR. WILLIAM A. MORGA'N WILLIAM R. ROCHELLE an: twedid',

CLYDE E. NOLAN WMQ ulrlll PA-TENTH] M1: 1 1912 FIG. I2C

sum 5 or s PIPELINE LAYING SYSTEM UTILIZING AN INCLINED RAMP BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION system wherein the angle at which the pipelinepenetrates the water is controllable utilizing a pivotable ramp.

In the past, it has been common in pipelaying operations to utilize, forpipeline profile and stress control, a buoyant ramp pivotally attachedto a floating lay vessel to support a portion of a pipeline dependinginto a body of water from the lay vessel. However, as water depthincreases, it has been found that the length of the buoyant ramp neededto provide adequate support for the control of the pipeline profile maybecome appreciably large. With this increased length, the buoyant rampmay exhibit a greater degree of vulnerability to damage from stresscaused by the supported pipeline or sea conditions. I

In connection with proposed pipeline laying systems, it has beenimplicitly recognized that utilization of such a buoyant ramp may insome cases be dispensed with,

by the control of the pipeline-profile and stress conditionsthroughcontrol of the angle, with respect to the horizontal, of the pipebeing lowered from the vessel.

This desired penetration angle for a given, desired profile may varydepending upon numerous conditions, such as pipeline weight and yieldpoint, speed of vessel movement, and water depth. Moreover, for fixedlaying conditions, the desired angle may vary depending upon.

the selected elevational profile of the pipeline, which may take forform of a catenary, flexed beam,.tensioned beam or other desiredconfigurations as pointed out in U.S. Lawrence Pat. No. 3,472,034,assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Prior pipelaying techniques, such as that disclosed in U.S. LawrencePat. No. 3,472,034 and United States Postlewaite et al. U.S. Pat. Nos.3,266,256 and such techniques are somewhat limited in the ability tovary the penetration angle of a pipeline to a great degree.

v Since relatively shallow water laying operations may, due to pipelinecharacteristics such as size and weight, require a smaller penetrationangle in order to maintain the desired pipeline profile, while otherlaying operations may require large penetration angles of 60 or more,the previously noted systems are limited in applicability.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTlON It is, therefore, a principalobject of the present invention to provide a pipeline laying systemwherein the penetration angle of the pipeline is controllable utilizinga pivotal ramp means or receiving frame mounted on a floating vessel andwherein operational difficulties connected with the supply of additionalpipeline sections are minimized.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide apipeline laying system wherein thepenetration angle of the pipeline iscontrollable over a wide range.

lt is another object of the invention to provide a pipeline layingsystem, utilizing a pivotal ramp means or receiving frame, that iscompatible with the performance of continuous operations relating to theaddition of new pipeline sections.

It is a related object of the invention to provide such a pipelinelaying system, utilizing a pivotal ramp means or receiving frame, thatis compatible with the performance of continuous operations relating tothe addition of new pipeline sections.

A preferred embodiment of the invention intended to accomplish at leastsome of the foregoing objects includes a lay vessel provided with a slotin the stern thereof. Pivoted on the vessel adjacent this slot is anelongate substantially rigid, pipe receiving ramp. The ramp is pivotedat a position intermediate its ends and is selectively moveable betweena substantially horizontal position and pivotal positions at an angle asaxis of the ramp, is a pipe section loader means. The

loader means is provided with means forsecuring a pipe section thereto,which pipe section is placed on the loader means when it is in agenerally horizontal position. In the preferred embodiment, the loadermeans is pivotally mounted in such a manner as to be moveable topositions wherein the support for the pipe section on the loader meansand the pipe support elements associated with the ramp means aresubstantially coplanar and longitudinally aligned. Upon pivoting of theloader means to this position, the new section of pipe is aligned withand welded to the existing pipeline ata work station. v

A work station platform provided for this purpose is pivotally mountedon the ramp in free swinging fashion so as to remain substantiallyhorizontal in any position of the ramp.

After transfer of the pipe section to the ramp means, the loader meansmay be returned to its horizontal position for receiving a new sectionof pipe while the incremental payout operation of the pipeline whichplaces the welded joint at a'subsequent work station is conducted.Subsequently, the pipeline is paid out by a further amount, with thetotal amount of pipeline payout being substantially equal to the lengthof the newly added pipeline section. At this point the loader is pivotedupward to provide a further new pipeline section for welding.

In this manner, a continuous laying operation may be accomplished in afashion uninhibited by the provision of new pipeline sections with theaid of the loader means. Moreover, the described preferred embodiment ofthe invention enables the control of pipeline penetration angles in awide range.

THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the present invention .willbecome apparent with reference to the subsequent detailed description ofa preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a transverse, elevational view illustrating a Mounted adjacentthe slot 24 for rotation about a generally horizontal axis 26 (FIG. 2)is an elongate,

substantially rigid ramp means 28. This ramp means is selectivelymovable between a generally horizontal position and pivoted positionsforming an angle of as I much as eighty degrees with respect to thehorizontal.

pipelaying barge provided with a ramp means and a pipe section loadermeans according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 1, with theloader means omitted for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 1, with theramp means and is associated structure omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional elevational view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.1 and illustrating the pivotal connection of the ramp means and loadermeans to the vessel;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 1 andillustrating the pipeline positioning clamps on the ramp means;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of F IG. 1 andillustrating the pipe section support means on the loader means;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along 7--7 of FIG. 1 andillustrating the location of one clamp means on the loader means;

FIG. 8 provides a partially sectioned, side elevational view taken alongthe 88 of FIG. 9, of the stationary clamp means provided on the rampmeans;

FIG. 9 provides a partially sectioned, end elevational view oftheclamping mechanism shown in FIG. 8as viewed along line 9-9'thereof;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line l0-l0 of FIG. 1 andillustrating a portion of the pipeline guiding section of the rampmeans;

FIG. 11 is a somewhat enlarged, partial cross-sectional view along line11-11 of FIG. 1, with a guide tube of the apparatus displaced andillustrating a holding device for maintaining the guide tube of theinternal clamp means stationary on the ramp means; and

FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are schematic transverse elevational viewsillustrating a pipelaying procedure according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Basic Components With reference to FIGS. 1-3, oneform of the basic structure utilized in the pipelaying system of? thepresent invention may be seen.

In FIG. 1, a pipelaying barge is shown floating on a body of water 22.The barge 20 is provided at the stern thereof with a slot 24communicating with the water body 22.

The ramp means 28 may be considered a tower-like structure formed inthree sections: a pipeline guiding section 30, extending outwardly ofthe stern of the barge 20; an intermediate work area and clampingsection 32; and a pipeline receiving and payout section 34 extendingtoward the bow of the barge 20.

At the pipeline guiding section 30, a plurality of pipeline guidingmembers, schematically shown at- 36 in FIGS. 1 and 2 (and omitted fromall other Figures except FIG. 10 for simplicity) are provided. Theseguiding members 36, hereinafter more fully described, prevent a pipelineleaving the ramp means from attaining less then a predetermined radiusof bend throughout the length of the pipeline guiding section 30.Generally the angle at which the pipe may leave the guiding section 30will be between five degrees and seven degrees of its intended directionwithout excessively stressing the pipeline.

The work area and clamping section 32 of the ramp means 28, is provided,adjacent the guiding section 30 with a clamp means 38 substantiallyfixed with respect to the ramp means 28. This clamp means 38,hereinafter more fully described, is selectively operative to maintain apipeline substantially stationary with respect to the ramp means 28, andtherefore with respect to the barge 20. Also mounted in the intermediateramp means section 32 are at least two work station platforms 40 and 42.

The work station platform 42 nearest the bow of the barge 20 functionsas a support for workmen operating to secure new sections of pipe to theend of the previously laid portion of pipeline. For convenience thisstation 42 is hereinafter referred to as a welding station, althoughother securing methods may be performed there. The other work platform40 serves to support workmen associated with a pipe joint inspection orpipe 45 joint coating operation. As subsequently described, the

platforms 40 and 42 are adjustable to remain level in all rotatablepositions of the ramp means 28.

The pipeline receiving and payout section 34 of the ramp means 28 isprovided, with longitudinally spaced pipe section manipulating clamps44. These clamps 44, as shown in FIG. 2, are comprised of oppositelyfacing, mirror images related, clamp sections 46 spaced on oppositesides of a pipe section receiving space 48. As subsequently described,the clamps 44 may be operable to manipulate a pipe section to axiallyalign it with the end of the previously laid pipeline supported in theguiding section 30 and in the intermediate section 32 of the ramp means28. They are also operative to position the end of the pipe section inthe desired spaced relation to the pipeline for the purpose ofestablishing the desired welding root gap.

In FIG. 2, it may be seen that the receiving and payout section 34 ofthe ramp means 28 supports a Iongitudinallyextending monorail 50 abovethe pipe section receiving space 48. As hereinafter more fullydescribed, this monorail 50 supports, for longitudinal travel of theramp means 28, a clamp housing 52. The

clamp housing 52 is a generally cylindrical hollow member having a bellshaped, stern facing open end 54 and a substantially closed, bow facingend 56.

The substantially closed end 56 is sufficiently open to receive atension cable 58 and an hydraulic umbilical 60, respectively passingaround sheaves 62 and 64 suitably mounted on opposite sides of the bowend of the ramp means 28. The cable 58 and umbilical 60 are controlledby remotely operable winch controls 66 (only one of which is shown)supported on the ramp means 28.

Internally of the clamp housing 52 the cable 58 and umbilical 60 areconnected to an internal clamp schematically shown in FIG. 12 at 266, ofthe type described and claimed in the copending application of Clyde E.Nolan, Jr., filed on even date herewith for Internal Tensioning Systemfor Laying Pipeline, and assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention. The disclosure of that application is hereby incorporated byreference. A functional description of. the internal 'clamp, the soleinvention of Clyde E. Nolan and not the joint invention of the presentapplicants, hereinafter appears. At present it is sufficient to notethat the internal clamp serves to internally engage at least one of thepipeline or the new pipe section added thereto, and is tensioned bymeans of the conventional winch control 66 and the tension cable 58 toimpart tension to the pipeline as the barge is advanced during apipeline payout operation.

It may be here noted that pipeline payout may alternatively beaccomplished, without relaying on vessel movement, in the manner setforthin the section entitled COMPOSITE MODE OF OPERATION OF WHEEL-TYPETENSION MECHANISM 18 AND CLAMPING MECHANISM 19 FOR PIPE FEEDINGOPERATION, of the U. S. Pat. Application of Jerry J. Jones et al., Ser.No. 8 l4,558, filed Apr. 9, I969, for Method and Apparatus for LayingPipelines, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Thepertinent disclosure of this patent application is hereby incorporatedby reference.

Pivotally mounted on the barge 20, preferably for movement about thesame axis 26 as the pivot axis of the ramp means 28, is an elongatesubstantially rigid, pipe section loader means 68. The loader means inthe illustrated embodiment is a tower-like structure, that is generallyreverse Z-shaped in starboard elevation (see FIG. 1).

The lower section 70 of the loader means 68 may be received innon-interfering relation directly beneath the work area clamping section32 of the ramp means 28. The upper section 72 of the loader means 68 maybe non-interferingly received beneath the pipeline receiving and payoutsection 34 of the ramp means 28.

This upper section 72 of the loader means 68 is provided withlongitudinally spaced clamp means 74 (FIG. 3), hereinafter more fullydescribed, on the upper portion thereof. These clamp means 74 serve tomaintain a section of pipe stationary with respect to the loader means68 during transport of the pipe section by the loader means 68 to theramp means 28.

Such sections of pipe are normally stored at a pipe rack station 76supported on the barge 20 in a position fore of the ramp means 28 andloader means 68. Generally centrally of the pipe rack station 76, a pipesection conveyor means 78 may be located.

When the loader means 68 is in a lower position thereof (i.e. generallyhorizontal in the illustrated embodiment), the conveyor means may beoperated to deliver a pipe section 80 thereto. In this lower position, agenerally straight loader support means, defined by longitudinallyspaced support stations 82, is longitudinally aligned with the supportmeans provided by the conveyor means 78.

Upon receipt of a pipe section 80, the loader means 68 may be moved toan upper position wherein the loader support means defined by thesupport stations 82 is generally coplaner with the pipeline supportmeans of the ramp means 28. This pipeline support means of the rampmeans may be considered to be means for supporting a generally straightportion of pipeline, and may be considered as defined'by the pipelineguiding member 36 nearest the ramp means intermediate section 32, thefixed clamp means 38 on the ramp means intermediate section, and one ormore additional support members (that may be substantially identical tothe guiding members 36) which, if desired, may be suitably mounted inthe intermediate section 32 of the ramp means 28, as schematicallyindicated at 84 (FIG. 1 only).

As used herein, it is to be noted that the term generally straight, inconnection with pipeline portions or support means therefor,contemplates normal pipeline variations and curvature encountered in apipelaying operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, by reason of the mounting relationshipbetween the ramp means 28 and loader means68, the ramp support means andthe loader support means are longitudinally aligned as well as beingcoplaner. Unimpeded transfer of a pipe section 80 to the manipulatingclamps 44 of the ramp means 28 is, therefore, significantly facilitated.

At this point it may be noted that such relationship, whilesignificantly advantageous, is not absolutely necessary in order toobtain many benefits of the present invention. It is, however, desirableto provide some form of loader means, having a generally straight pipesection support means, that may be moved into coplanar relationship withpipeline support means on the ramp means, preferably by movement onlythrough space remote from the end of the pipeline supported by the rampmeans. In this manner, operatively simple transfer of the pipe sectionto the ramp means is facilitated by reason of the fact that manipulationof the pipe section to align it with the previously laid pipeline islimited to substantially minor adjustments. Moreover, transfer of thepipe section does not present a danger to workmen since the pipe sectionis transported remote from the pipeline end, and therefore, remote fromthe work area. Nor does transfer-interrupt the continuity of thepipelaying operation since the loader means may, without interference,return for new sections of pipe during connecting of the new section andpayout of the pipeline.

In this connection it will be appreciated that the invention in itsbroad aspects encompasses truly continuous laying operations wherein thepipeline is continuously paid out while new sections of pipe are added,as well as those operations wherein the pipeline is intermittently heldagainst substantial relative movement with respect to the floatingvessel.

An example of a modified form of an arrangement partaking of the aboveadvantages may take the form of a loader means mounted for movement atthe side of, rather than beneath the ramp means. In such a situation theloader means may be readily provided with a movable transfer mechanism,such as pivotable clamps, for laterally transferring the pipe section tothe ramp means after the loader pipe section support means is positionedsubstantially coplanar with ramp pipeline support means.

With reference once again to FIGS. l-3, it may be seen that in theillustrated embodiment, the guide section 30 of the ramp means 28 isstraddled by a platform 86 supported by mounting frames 88 on oppositesides of the barge slot 24. Only a portion of the frames 88 are shown inFIG. 3.

On the platform 86 a winch 90 may be provided. This winch controls theinclination of the ramp means 28 through positioning of a cable 92passing through a platform aperture (not shown) and connected, in anysuitable manner, to the guide section 30 of the ramp means 28. The guidesection 30 may be counterweighted so as to tend to rotate the ramp means28 (in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1) about the pivotaxis 26. I

In the uppermost position of the cable 92, the ramp means 28 ismaintained in a substantially horizontal position with the pipelinereceiving and-payout section 34 resting on the upper portion 94 of asupport tower 96 fixedly mounted on one side of the barge 20. Selectivepayout of the cable 92, by reason of the counterweighted guide section30, is capable of maintaining the ramp means 28 is selected,stationary'pivoted posi tions. The slot 24 in the barge stern receivesthe guide section 30 of the ramp means as the angle of the ramp means,with respect to the horizontal, increases.

Control of the position of the loader means 68 is facilitated by meansof a winch 98 suitably supported on the upper portion of the payout andreceiving section 34 of ramp means 28. This winch 98 controls a cable100 passing through the pipe section receiving space 48 and connected,in any suitable manner, to. the loader means 68. This connection, ofcourse, is such that interference with a pipe section 80, placed on theloader means 68 by the conveyer means 78, is avoided.

In its lower position, the loader means 68 may, if desired, rest uponlateral extension of the tower 96. When the ramp means 28 in initiallypivoted upwardly, the loader means control winch 98 is operated topermit the loader means to remain in its lower position. After supply ofa pipe section 80 to the loader means 68, the winch 98 is operated toretrieve its cable 100 so as to pivot the loader means 68 upwardly toits preselected stationary pivoted position. If desired, a suitable stopmeans (not shown) may be provided on the ramp means 28 to insure againstovertravel of the loader means, or the winch 98 may be arranged so thatthe loader means is automatically correctly positioned in the fullyretracted position of the cable 100. Structural Details Referring nowparticularly to FIGS. 4-11,.the illustrated structural features of theramp means 28 and loader means 68 will be discussed as an example of anacceptable form of the basic elements which may be utilized in thepipelaying system of the present invention.

The guiding section 30 of the ramp means 28 may be considered to beformed of interconnected, generally cubical truss sections. Descriptionof the components will be with reference to the ramp means 28 in ahorizontal position. Each cubical truss section may include:longitudinally extending parallel pairs of spaced, upper and lowerhorizontal beams 102 and 104; transversely extending parallel pairs ofspaced upper and lower horizontal beams 106 and 108; diagonallyextending, parallel pairs of spaced struts 112 interconnecting parallelupper and lower beams 102 and 104 and parallel vertical struts 110; anddiagonally extending horizontal girders 114 interconnecting thelongitudinally extending and transversely extending beams (FIGS. 1, 2and 10). In this manner a rugged, rigid truss network is formed,defining a' central ramp opening, 116 (FIG. 10) for receiving pipeline,unobstructed by the tower elements of the ramp means 28.

As shown in FIG. 10, the previously identified guiding elements 36 ofthe guiding section 30 may be supported on the lower, transverselyextending horizontal beams 108. Additional guiding elements 36 may bedisposed on the upper beams 106 and vertical struts 1 10. These guidingelements 36 may consist of conventional support rollers 1 18 havingmutually inclined axes of rotation. The rollers may, if desired, bevertically adjustable. In FIG. 1, it may be seen that the elements 36more remote from the bow of the barge 20 are successively positioned inradially more outer positions to define a predetermined radius of bendof the pipeline supported thereby.

The group of elements 36 in the guiding section 30 may be convenientlyreferred to as defining a guide shoe. If desired, steel rings or othermeans of support may be provided in the guiding section 30 as a guideshoe. By the annular formation of the guide shoe, whether by rollers orrings, the pipeline is advantageously guided in all directions. Althoughthe pipeline may benormally maintained out of engage- I ment with theguide shoe, the guide does control the bend of the pipeline and permitthe pipeline leaving the ramp means 28 to attain a predetermined bend.

The intermediate section 32 of the ramp means 28 is also comprised oftruss sections defined in a manner similar to those of the pipelineguiding section 30. These sections will not be discussed in detail,since the structural differences will be apparent to one skilled in theart.

From FIGS. 1 and 4, it will be seen that a clamp support platform 120 islocated within the truss sectionsimmediately above and on opposite sidesof the pivot axis 26. This platform spans the pivot axes and extendslaterally beyond the truss network axis mounting means 122 located onopposite sides of the barge slot 24 and fixedly attached to the barge20.

The platform 120 is rigidly connected, in any suitable,

These apertures receive pivot bolts 132 on which spaced brackets 134-are rotatably mounted. These brackets 134 are suitably connected to theend frame members 136 forming the end members of the loader means 68.Thus, the loader rne'ans68 is also pivotally mounted for rotation aboutthe axis 26.

Although a particular pivot connection has been described for rotationof the ramp means 28 and-the loader means 68 about the axis 26, it willbe apparent that many other structural arrangements would be acceptable.

Again, by referring to FIG. 4, it may be noted that the central rampopening 116 also exists in the intermediate section 32 of theramp meansabove the platform 120. The previously identified fixed clamp means 38is supported on the platform 120 so that the axis 138 defined by theclamping sections thereof, hereinafter more fully described, iscoincident with the axis of the pipeline passing through the centralramp opening 1 16.

The platform 120 may also be utilized to support one or more of thepreviously identified support means 84, which may be identical to theroller supports 36 of the guiding section 30. In addition, since thebottom,

I horizontal, transversely extending truss members 108 (previouslydescribed in connection with the guiding section 30) are eliminated fromthe intermediate ramp means section 32 in order to prevent interferencebetween the ramp means 28 and the loader means 68,

the platform 120 may also be utilized to mount the initial support means36 of the guide shoe. For convenience, this mounting has not been shownin FIG. 4.

It should be here noted that although the platform 120 spans the trusssections of the intermediate guiding section 32 in the area of thesupport provided for the clamp means 38, the platform is bifurcated asindicated at 140 (FIG. 2) to permit self-leveling movement of thepreviously identified work station 40.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be seen that such provision for self-levelingof the work stations 40 and 42 may be accomplished by securinghorizontal mounting brackets 142 to the truss members on the port andstarboard sides of the intermediate ramp section 32. These supportbrackets 142 each mount pivot pins 144 from which platforms 146 aresupported in free-swinging fashion. The generally horizontal axisdefined by the pivot pins 144, and the free-swinging of the platforms146 insures that the work station platforms remain horizontal in allpivotal positions of the ramp means 28. If desired, once the workstation platforms 146 are horizontally oriented with the ramp means 28in a pivotal position, means (not shown) may be employed to restrain theplatforms 146 in that horizontal orientation. As indicated in FIG. 2 at148, the platforms 146 are bifurcated in order to prevent interferencewith a pipeline passing throughthe central passageway 116 of the rampmeans (see FIG. 12).

With particular reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the illustratedstructural composition of the pipeline receiving and payout section 34of the ramp means 28, as well as the major portion of the loader means68 maybe described. As shown in these Figures, the pipeline receivingand payout portion 34 of the ramp means 28 includes port and starboardinterconnected truss sections 150 and 152 spaced on opposite sides ofthe previously identified pipe section receiving space 48.

It will be appreciated that the truss sections and 152. aresubstantially identical in structure, but smaller than, the trusssections forming the guide section 30 of the ram means 28, with theadditional existence of vertical, inclined struts 154 extendingdiagonally between the upper and lower truss members. In addition, itwill be recognized that the truss sections 150 and 152 are mirror imagerelated, and connected by transversely extending, horizontal girders 156which span the pipe section receiving space 48. These braces 156 supportthe previously identified monorail 50 on which the housing 52 for theinternal clamp is slidably mounted.

From FIG. 2 it may be seen that suitable transitional truss sections areprovided, as indicated at 158, for interconnecting the truss sections150 and 152 of the pipe receiving and payout section 34 with the trusssections of the intermediate ramp means section 32.

FIGS. 3 and 5-7, illustrate that the upper section 72 of the loadermeans 68 is formed of interconnected truss sections substantiallyidentical to the truss sections 150 and 152 of the pipeline receivingand payout section 34 of the ramp means 28. The lower section 70 of theloader means 68 is similarly arranged, and is interconnected to theupper section 72 in any suitable manner.

From FIG. 6, it may be seen that the upper truss members of the loadermeans truss sections 160 support the previously identified supportstations 82 which together define a generally straight, loader supportmeans. These support stations 82 may be substantially identical to theroller guiding units 36 discussed'in connection with FIG. 10. It isnoted that suitable provision may also be made for the verticaladjustment of the support stations 82.

FIG. 5 provides an end elevational view of the clamp sections 46 of thepipe section manipulating clamp 44 supported on the pipe receiving andpayout section 34 of the ramp means 28. These clamp sections 46 aredisposed in mirror image relationship on opposite sides of the pipesection receiving space 48. Each clamp section 46 may be mounted onupper and lower horizontal support girders 162 secured in any suitablemanner to the oppositely facing portions of the truss sections 150 and152. The mounting of the clamp sections 46 on the support girders 162 issuch as to permit longitudinal movement of the clamp sections 46 alongthe length of the girders 162. The purpose of this mounting is to permitmanipulation of a pipe section gripped by the clamping members 44 towardand away from the welding work station 42.

The clamping sections 46 are each provided with concave grippingelements 164 which may be of the resilient type. In FIG. 5, thesegripping members 164 are shown in their extended positions for grippinga pipe section (not shown). It will be appreciated that the axis 138defined by the concave gripping members 164 is coincident with the axisof the gripped pipe section. Suitable means, such as hydraulic pistonsschematically illustrated at 165 may be provided for moving the grippingelements 164 toward and away from the pipe section. If desired,provision may be made forvertical movement of the clamp support girders162 to accomodate for slight changes in the orientation of the axis ofthe supported pipe section.

In FIG. 7 an end elevational, schematic view of one of the previouslyidentified fixed clamps 74 mounted on the loader means 68 may be seen.Asillustrated, these'clamps 74 are supported on the upper members of theloader means truss sections 160. In the illustrated position, the fixedclamps 74 define an axis 138 coincident with theaxis defined by thegripping members 164 of the manipulating clamps 44. It may be noted thatthe fixed clamps 74 on the loader means 68 are substantially identical,except for mounting, to the manipulating clamps 44 on the ramp means 28.The mounting provides for vertical and lateral adjustment ofthe sectionsin any suitable manner.

As shownin FIG. 8, the clamping mechanism 38 comprises a grippingassembly 166 which may be mounted for-limited, indeed often visuallyundetecta+ ble, movement in a stress indicating direction, extendinglongitudinally of the pipeline 168 supported on the ramp means 28. Thegripping assembly 166 is connected to a load cell unit 169 by means offorce transmitting connecting link 170. The load cell 169 is fixedlysecured to the support platform 120 aft of the assembly 166. This loadcell may comprise, for example, an

hydraulic type, load transducer of the type manufactured byMartin-Decker Corp., of Long Beach, Calif.,

7 under designation CC-lOOO-SO. Obviously, however, a

variety of other pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or mechanical loadcells may be employed.

The clamping mechanism 166 may compriseian articulated clampingmechanism of the type generally described in bulletin 66-2 of the GrayTool Co., Post With this arrangement, force is transmitted generallylongitudinally from the assembly 166 to the loadcell unit 169 with themember 170 functioning as a compression type, force transmitting member.It will also be apparent that the load cell unit 169 may be locatedforward of the assembly 166 with the load cell being arranged to permitthe member -170 to function as a force transmitting member acting intension.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the clamping assembly 166 includes laterallybifurcated, stern and bow facing, framing units 172 and 174. Three,arcuate pipe clamps 176, 178 and 180 are supported by, and disposedlongitudinally intermediate of, the framing units 172'and- The uppermostsegment 176 is connected by bracket means 182 to detachably mounted pins184 and 186. These pins 184 and 186 are mounted on opposite sides ofeach of the bifurcated framing units 172 and 174.

Each of the mounting pins 184 and 186 is disposed in v a verticallyelongated slot for limited, vertical movement. Thus, the mounting pin184 is disposed in slot means 188 and 190 on the starboard side of theframing units 172 and 174 respectively. The pin 186 is disposed inmirror image related slot means on the port side of the framing units 172 and 174. v

Brackets 192 and 194 serve to pivotally mount the upper end of the clampsegments 178 and 180, respectively, on the mounting pins 184 and 186 asindicated generally in FIGS. 8 and 9.

As shown generally in FIG. 9, bifurcated brackets 196 and 198 dependdownwardly from the lower, free extremities of the clamp segments 178and 180, respectively.

A screw block 200 is journaled on the bracket means A threaded adjustingrod 210 includes a portion 212 which passes threadedly through athreaded aperture 214 of the screw block 200. The adjusting rod 210'extends from an electric or hydraulic motor unit 216 mounted on theframing unit 174.

As shown in FIG. 9, the threaded rod 210 also carries a portion 218which threadedly intersects a screw block 220 carried by the bracketmeans 198. The screw block 220 includes a shaft means 222 intersectingthe cam slot means 224. The screw block 220, like the block 200, ismounted for pivotal movement abouta horizontal axis extending generallyparallel to the vertical median plane of the pipeline portion 168.

The screw block 220, slot means 224', and shaft means 222, correspond inidentical, but mirror image related, fashion to components described inconnection with the block 200. However, portions 212 and 218 of theshaft 210 are oppositely threaded and disposed in threaded engagementwith the screw blocks 200 and 220, respectively. With this arrangement,rotation of the shaft 210, induced by operation of the motor 216drivingly connected with that-shaft, will induce either convergence orseparation of the blocks200 and 220,

depending on the direction of shaft rotation.

Where the shaft 210 is rotated to induce separation of the block, theconfiguration of the cam tracks is such asto causeseparation inducingrotation of the segments 178 and 180, as well as elevating movement ofthev pivot pins 184 and 186-This elevating movement is permitted by thevertically elongate character of mirror image related slots receivingthe pins 184 and 186.

Thus, by separating the blocks 200 and 220, each of the segments 176,178 and will be caused to move generally outwardly of, and becomedisengaged from, the outer periphery of the pipeline portion in responseto this separation. As a result, during the unclamped condition of theassembly 166, there will be no fric tional interaction or draggingbetween the pipeline and any of the clamp segments.

As will be appreciated, of course, convergence of the blocks 200 and 220will serve to simultaneously direct the segments 176, 178 and 180 intoclamped engagement with the exterior of the pipeline portion.

The segments 176, 178 and 180 may be provided, 7

respectively, with generally cylindrical faces 226, 228

S and 230. These faces are generally segmentally cylindrical incharacter and coaxially oriented with respect clamped thereto.

The pipeline engaging faces 226, 228 and 230 may be detachably mountedon the clamp segments 176, 178 and 180 respectively. Further, each ofthe pipeline engaging faces may be fabricated so as to be somewhatresilient in character. It will also be appreciated that various sizesof the engaging faces 226, 228 and 230 may be selected to accommodatefor pipelines of different diameters.

The framing units 172 and 174 may be mounted on a base unit 232. Thebase unit 232 may be provided with an appropriate and conventionalelevating means. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base 232 maycomprise superposed segments 234 and 236, interconnected by a pluralityof generally vertically extensible and contractable jacks 238. Thesejacks may be operated mechanically, electrically or by means of fluid.By operating the various jacks in unison, elevation of the uppermostbase portion 234 may be selectively adjusted so as to appropriatelylocate the elevation of the clamping segments 176, 178 and 180.

Such elevating means will serve to adjust the elevation of the framingunits 172 and 174 so as to insure coaxial engagement between theclamping segments and a pipeline, as pipelines of different diametersare handled. As will be appreciated, pipelines of different diametersmay require different elevational positions of the framing unit, anddifferent radii for the pipeline engaging faces 226, 228 and 230, inorder to insure coaxial engagement between these faces and the pipelineperiphery when the pipeline portion is gripped by the clamping mechanism166.

It is for this reason that vertical movement of the clamps 74 and thepreviously identified girders 162 (which support the clamps 44 on theramp section 34) may be also provided.

To insure substantially unimpeded transistion of force between the rampmeans 28 and the assembly 166, so that the load cell 167, when employed,will correctly indicate tension imparted by the assembly 166 to thepipeline, the base 236 of the assembly may be mounted upon one or morerail means 240. These rail means extend generally longitudinally of thepipeline 168. As illustrated in FIG. 9, such rail means 240 may bemounted on the barge platform 120 in the inter mediate ramp section 32.

In certain instances, it may be desirable to pass a portion of thepipeline having a T-fitting or other protuberance, through the assembly166. The passing of such protuberance through the assembly may beaccomplished, for example, by removing the pin 184 to a position clearof the zone between the bifurcated, port and starboard extremities ofthe framing units 172 and 174.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the pin 184 may be detachably secured to guidecollars 242 and 244, which guide collars are mounted in the verticalslots 188 and 190, respectively. By telescopingly separating the pin 184from the collars 242 and 244, the segment 176 is free to pivot in acounterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 9. Similar structure maybe provided in connection with the pin 186.

Removal of the pin 184 may be facilitated by fabricating this pin fromaxially separable, but

' threadedly interconnected components.

It will be recognized, of course, that the function of the mechanism 166may be performedwith a wide variety of clamping and load sensingdevices, including tensioner arrangements of the type described in theU.S. Lawrence Pat. No. 3,390,532 assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention. In this connection, it will be recognized that the assembly166 may be viewed as comprising a platform from which the upper portionof the pipeline 168 is gripped, with this platform being movable,possibly to a virtually undiscernable degree, to the extent necessary toreflect changes in force acting on the pipeline at this grippingmechanism.

It is also to be understood that when reference is herein made to fixingor securing the pipeline against substantial relative movement withrespect to the floating vessel, this term contemplates, but is notlimited to, accommodation for pipeline movement caused by wave action asdiscussed in the aforesaid Lawrence U.S. Pat. No. 3,390,532.

Included in the wide variety of clamping arrange ments that may beemployed, for example, are vertically reciprocal clamps in lieu of thepivotal clamping members illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. It will also berecognized that fluid actuated, packer type gripping members may beemployed, such as, for example, those contemplated in the disclosure ofUnited States Delaruelle et al. U.S. Pat. No, 3,273,347. Provision mayalso be made for utilization of a fixed external clamp assembly of thetype disclosed in U.S. Berard Pat. No. 3,491,541. The arrangement of amovable external clamp similar to the one of this patent may also beutilized in lieu of the internal clamp 266 (FIG. 12).

With reference to FIG. 11, a partial cross-sectional view of a means forcontrolling the position of the internal clamp housing 52 may be seen.As previously mentioned, the housing 52 is permitted to travellongitudinally of the pipeline receiving and payout section 34 of theramp means 28. This travel is facilitated through the use of themonorail 50. The housing 52 is supported by support arms 246 suitably,fixedly attached thereto.

Each of the support anns depends from a roller assembly 248 slidablymounted on the monorail 50. The support 248 may consist of generallyL-shaped bracket members 250. These bracket members 250 are generallymirror-image disposed and interconnected beneath the monorail in anysuitable manner as generally shown at 252. Projecting oppositelyinwardly from the brackets 250 and rotatably mounted thereon are pins254 on which wheels 256 are rotatably mounted. These wheels 256 travelin the channels defined by the generally I-shaped configuration of themonorail 50.

Since, as previously mentioned, the rear portion 56 of the internalclamp housing 52 is substantially closed, the clamp housing 52 may bemaintained in the relative position of the ramp means 28 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, regardless of the inclination of the ramp means 28,merely by operating the winch means 66 so as to retract the internalclamp attached thereto. This action is operative to also retract thehousing 52 through interaction between the internal clamp against thesubstantially closed rear portion 56 of that housing.

As hereinafter more fully described, during a pipelaying operation, thehousing 52 is permitted, by means of the travel of the supports 248 onthe monorail 50 to assume a position, by reason of the inclination ofthe ramp means 28, adjacent the welding work station 42 and abutting theend of a pipeline paid out to that position. Also as subsequentlydescribed, the internal clamp is, at that time, inside the pipeline at aposition longitudinally spaced from the clamp housing 52. Thus, when theinternal clamp is to be retrieved, into the housing 52 it may bedesirable to provide a stop means to maintain the housing 52 stationary,in order to prevent the interaction of the retrieved clamp and thehousing from causing the housing to be displaced from the internal clampby travel upwardly on the monorail 50.

One acceptable form of such a stop means is shown in FIG. ll.Forsimplicity, the structure of the stop means has not been shown in FIGS.1 and 2. The illustrated stop means 258 may consist of a non-contactingmagnetic brake of the type including a core 260 about which a coil 262is wound. When energized, a magnetic field is generated, which, byreason of the conductive nature of the wheels 256, resists movement ofthe wheels.

The core 260 may be mounted on the upper truss members 263 adjacent theend of the monorail 50. Suitable electrical connections may be providedto remotely operate the brake 258. After retrieval of the internal clampinto its housing 52, the brake 258 is of course deenergized. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that when the ramp means 28 is employed in itshorizontal position a suitable means may be provided to propel the clamphousing 52.

Pipelaying Procedures Referring now to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D, apipelaying procedure according to the present invention will bedescribed.

Initially, the desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water is established. Afterwards, the ramp means 28 is rotatedabout the pivot axis 26 to a stationary position wherein thelongitudinal direction of extent of the ramp means 28 defines an angle,with respect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to the desiredangle of penetration. In other words, the central axis of the centralramp opening 116 (FIG. 4) defines an angle with the horizontal planeequal to the angle of penetration.

It will be remembered that movement of the ramp means 28 to its selectedpivoted position is accomplished by means of the counterweighted guidesection 30 which is'controlled by the winch 90 and cable 92.

For purposes of discussion it may now be assumed that the generallystraight portion of the pipeline 168 is supported by the ramp supportmeans at an angle equal to the selected penetration angle, with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water 22. Themanner in which the pipelaying procedure is initiated to accomplish thissupport will become apparent to one skilled in the art from furtherdiscussion. At this point it need only be noted that the'fixed clampmeans 38 is actuated so as to maintain the pipeline 168 substantiallystationary with respect to the ram means 28, and therefore with respectto the barge 20.

Prior to the addition of new pipe sections 80 to the pipeline 168, themanipulating clamps 44 are retracted as indicated by the arrows 264, tothe position most remote from the end of the pipeline 168. This end ofthe pipeline is located above the welding work station With the loadermeans 68 in its lower, horizontal position as shown in FIG. 12A, byreason of extension of the cable 100 controlled by the winch 98, asection of pipe is delivered to the loader support means 82 by theconveyor means 78. The loader clamp means 74 are then actuated tomaintain the section of pipe stationary with respect to the loader means68.

It will be noted, that during receipt of the section of pipe 80 on theloader means 68, the internal clamp, schematically indicated at 266 hasbeen retrieved into the clamp housing 52 by means of the winch 66.Moreover, the. internal clamp 266 and the housing 52 have been togetherretracted to their most remote position on the previously identifiedmonorail 50, i.e. the position adjacent the upper end of the ramp means28.

As shown in FIG. 12B, theloader means 68 is next rotated about the pivotaxis 26 to a stationary position wherein the longitudinal direction ofextent of the loader means 68 and the supported pipe section 80 definean angle with respect to the horizontal plane substantially equal to thedesired angle of penetration.

In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished through operation ofthe winch 98 which controls the cable 100 to raise the loader means 68to a position wherein the pipe section 80 is received .within the pipereceiving space 48 (FIG. 2) of the ramp means. In this position, thepipe section 80 is generally coplanar with and coaxially aligned withthe straight portion of pipeline supported by the ramp means 28. It willalso be appreciated that the aligned pipe section 80 is located betweenthe spaced vertical planes through the end 54, internal clamp meanshousing 52 and the end of the generally straight portion of pipelinesupported on the ramp means 28. At the same time, the loader supportmeans for supporting the section of pipe to be added to the pipeline is,as will be apparent, located between the spaced vertical planes boundingthe pipe section receiving section 34 which defines the pipe sectionreceiving space 48 of the ramp means.

' Through operation of the positioning clamps 44 and disengagement ofthe loader means clamp 74, the pipe section 80 is transferred to theramp means 28.

At this point, the loader means 68 may be returned to its generallyhorizontal position asshown in FIG. 12C.

Again referring to FIG. 12B, the winch 66 is operated to permit theinternal clamp means 266 to slide out of its housing 52 and into the newsection of pipe 80. It will be appreciated that if the new section ofpipe 80, in its position on the ramp means 28 is such that the upper endthereof is longitudinally spaced from the housing 52, the housing 52 byreason of the inclination of the ramp means 28, will be permitted toslide downwardly on the monorail 50 until the bell end 54 thereof abutsthe end of the pipe section 80.

In orderv to facilitate relative movement of the internal clamp means266 out of its housing 52 and into the pipe section 80, the internalclamp means 266 may be provided with trolley means (not shown). Thistrolley means may be remotely operable, through the previously describedhydraulic umbilical 60, to propel the internal tool in situationswherein the inclination of the ramp means 28 is insufficient for gravityto cause travel of the internal clamp means 266.

i pipe section 80.: r

Referring now to FIG. 120, as the loader means 68 is returned to receivea new pipe section 80, the manipulating clamps 44 on the ramp means 28are operated to move the pipe section 80 gripped thereby into a positionwherein the proper welding root gap is established between the pipelinel68 and the pipe section 80. Such movement of the clamps is indicated bythe arrows 268. It will be appreciated, that the housing 52 of theinternal clamp means 266 is permitted to travel along the monorail 50 inabutting relationship to the upper end of the pipe section 80. i

It may be noted that prior to movement of the pipe section 80 by themanipulating. clamps 44, the internal clamp means 266 may be actuated.Actuation of the internal clamp means 266 through the hydraulicumbilical 60 is sufficient to cause gripping means carried by theinternal clamp 266 to travel radially outwardly of the clampinto fixedengagement with the internal portion of the pipe section 82. Thus, thepipe section 80 and the internal clamp means 266 are maintained fixedwith respect to one another. As set forth in the aforementioned'Nolanpatent application, filed of even date herewith, the internal clampmeans 266 may also attach tothe pipeline 168 and be At the position ofabutment between the pipe section 80 and the pipeline 168, above thewelding station 42, workmen mounted on the platform at this weldingstation may secure the two members together. Upon completion of thewelding operation, the barge 20 may be moved forward, i.e. away from thepreviously laid portion of the pipeline as indicated by the arrow 270 inFIG. 12D to pay out the pipeline in a first increment so as to place thenewly connected joint above the second work station 40. It will beappreciated that during this payout operation, the fixed clam'p means 38on the ramp means 28 is disengaged from the pipeline 168. Moreover, theinternal clamp 266 is, as previously mentioned, fixed to the pipesection 80 or the pipeline 168. During payout operation, tension ismaintained on utilized for aligning the- SUMMARYQF ADVANTAGES Thus, itwill be seen that by following the present invention an improvedpipeline laying system is provided sociated with the supply ofadditional pipe sections to the internal clamp means 266, and thereforeon the pipeline 168, by means of the winch 66 and its associated cable58.

At the second work station 40, a coating operation may be performed.Subsequently, the pipeline is paid out the remaining distance so as toplace the end thereof above the welding station as shown in FIG. 12A.

During the joining and payout operation, the loader means 68 is providedwith an additional section of pipe 80 and the steps outlined inconnection with FlGS. l2A-12D may be repeated.

Although not described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art that suitable control means may be provided for remotelyactuating the clamp means 38, 266 and 74 of the ramp means 28 and loaderthe FIG. 12A position.

and from the ramp means.

In this connection, the particular movement of the loader means wherebythe pipe sections are transferred from the loader means to the rampmeans without interfering with the operations at the work stations isparticularly advantageous. y I

A related advantage stems from the use of moveable internal clamp meansthat avoids exposure of clamping elements that may interfere with thework areas.

Significant additional advantages are provided by the preferredembodiment wherein the loader means is receivable within the ramp means.

Also of importance is the utilization of free-swinging work stationswhich remain substantially horizontal regardless of the pivotal positionof the ,ramp' ,means. The

guide shoe provides the additional advantage of guiding v the pipelinein all directions.

Of independent significance is the fact that the ramp means may beutilized in diverse laying operations where great differences inpipeline penetration angle are anticipated. Thus, the ramp means mayeven be employed in a pipeline laying operation in its horizontalposition in connection with a. buoyant ramp (not shown) pivotallyattached to the barge.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particularsystem, it will be apparent to those skilled in the an that additions,modifications, substitutions and deletions may be made in that systemwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprising:

longate, substantially rigid, ramp means including 1 ramp support means,for slidably supporting a generally straight portion of the pipeline onsaid vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the bodyof water, and including a pipe section receiving means for supporting anew section of pipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipe sectionreceiving means being bounded by spaced vertical planes;

ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected, stationarypivoted positions;

first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintainingsaid pipeline substantially stationary with respect to said ramp means;

second clamp means mounted on said ramp means,

for longitudinal movement along said ramp means for selectively engagingthe pipeline so as to be fixed with respect thereto;

means for restraining longitudinal movement of said second clamp means;

elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means includingloader support means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline;

loader mounting means for pivotally mounting said loader means on saidfloating vessel means; and

loader moving means for pivoting said loader means to selected,stationary pivoted positions with said loader support means and saidramp support means being generally coplaner, and. with said loadersupport means located between the spaced vertical planes bounding saidpipe section receivmg means.

2. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate, substantially rigid, ramp means including ramp support meansfor slidably supporting a generally straight portion of the pipeline onsaid vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the bodyof water;

ramp mounting means for pivotally mounting said ramp means on saidfloating vessel at a position intermediate the ends of said ramp means;

ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected, stationarypivoted positions;

first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintainingsaid pipeline substantially stationary with respect to said ramp means;

second clamp means mounted on said ramp means,

for longitudinal movement along said ramp means for selectively engagingthe pipeline so as to be fixed with respect thereto; means forrestraining longitudinal movement of said second clamp means; elongate,substantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loader supportmeans for supporting a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline;loader mounting means for pivotally mountingsaid loader means on saidfloating vessel means; and, loader moving means for pivoting said loadermeans to selected, stationary pivoted positions with said loader supportmeans and said ramp support means being generally coplaner,

said loader means and said ramp means being mounted for rotation aboutthe same axis, and

said rampv means being provided with means .for

receiving said loader means with said ramp support means and loadersupport means in longitudinal alignment.

3. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate, substantially rigid, ramp means including ramp support meansfor slidably supporting a generally straight portion of the pipeline onsaid vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the bodyof water, and including a pipe section receiving means for supporting anew section of pipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipe sectionreceiving means being bounded by spaced vertical planes;

ramp mounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said ramp meansfor movement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions between a generally horizontal position and a generallyvertical position;

elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means, includingloader support means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and, loader mounting and moving means for rotatably mountingsaid loader means for movement about a generally horizontal axis, toselected stationary positions wherein said loader support means and saidramp support means are generally coplaner, and, with said loader supportmeans located between the spaced vertical planes bounding said I pipesection receiving means.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 including: at least one work stationplatform; and means mounting said at least onework station platform onsaid ramp means so as to remain generally horizontal in all positions ofsaid ramp means. 4

5. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate, substantially rigid, ramp means including ramp support meansfor slidably supporting a generally straight portion of the pipeline onsaid vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the bodyof water;

ramp mounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said ramp meansfor movement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions between a generally horizontal position and a generallyvertical position;

elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means, includingloader support means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and,

loader mounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said loadermeans for movement about a generally horizontal axis, to selectedstationary positions wherein said loader support means and said rampsupport means are generally coplaner,

said loader means and said ramp means being mounted for rotation aboutthe same axis; and,

said ramp means being provided with means for receiving said loadermeans with said ramp support means and loader support means inlongitudinal alignment.

6. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support meansdefining a generally straightpipeline support for supporting a generallystraight portion of the pipeline on said vessel with the remainder ofthe pipeline depending into the body of water, and including a pipesection receiving means for supporting a new section of pipe to be addedto the pipeline, said pipe section receiving means being bounded byspaced vertical planes;

ramp mounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said ramp meansfor movement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions;

first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintainingsaid pipeline substantially stationary with respect to the ramp means;

second clamp means mounted on said ramp means,

for longitudinal movement from a position adjacent one end of the rampmeans toward and away from the other end of said ramp means, forselectively engaging the pipeline so as to be fixed with respectthereto; means for controlling longitudinal movement of said secondclamp means;

elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means includingloader support means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and

loader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader, means on saidvessel for movement between a lower pipe section receiving position andselected upper positions with said loader support means and said rampsupport means being generally coplanar and with said loader supportmeans located between the spaced vertical planes bounding said pipesection receiving means.

7. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support meansdefining a generally straight pipeline support for supporting agenerally straight portion of the pipeline on said vessel with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water;

ramp mounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said ramp meansfor movement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions;

first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintainingsaid pipeline substantially stationary with respect to the ramp means;

second clamp means mounted on said ramp means,

for longitudinal movement from a position adjacent one end of the rampmeans toward and away from the other end of said ramp means, forselectively engaging the pipeline so as to be fixed with respectthereto;

means for controlling longitudinal movement of said second clamp means;

elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means includingloader support means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and,

loader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader means on saidvessel for movement between a lower pipe section receiving position andselected upper positions with said loader support means and said rampsupport means being generally coplaner,

said ramp means including means defining an open loader means receivingarea between said one end of said ramp means and said ramp supportmeans; and

said loader mounting and moving means including means for positioningsaid loader support means in said loader means receiving area with thepipe section supported by said loader means generally coaxially alignedwith said generally straight portion of pipeline. V

8. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel and an elongate substantiallyrigid pipe section loader means pivotally mounted on the floatingvessel, the method comprising:

establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water; rotating the ramp means in an angular direction about asubstantially horizontal axis to a fixed angular position wherein thelongitudinal direction of extent of the elongate ramp means defines anangle, with respect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to thedesired angle of penetration; slidably supporting a generally straightportion of pipeline on the ramp means so as to extend in saidlongitudinal direction with the remainder of the pipeline depending intothe body of water;

supporting, in a stationary position, a section of pipe to be added tothe pipeline on the pipe section loader means with the pipe sectionloader means in a substantially horizontal position;

rotating the loader means in said angular direction to a stationaryposition wherein the longitudinal direction of extend of the loadermeans and the supported pipe section defines an angle with respect to ahorizontal plane substantially equal to the desired angle of penetrationto locate the pipe section between the spaced vertical planes throughthe upper end of the ramp means and the end of the generally straightportion of pipeline supported on the ramp means;

aligning the pipe section in generally coaxial relation with saidgenerally straight portion of pipeline;

connecting the pipe section to said generally straight portion ofpipeline;

rotating the loader means in a direction opposite to said angulardirection to a substantially horizontal position to receive a furthersection of pipe to be added to the pipeline by performing said steps ofrotating the loader means, aligning the pipe section and connecting thepipe section; and,

, paying out the pipeline into the body of water by an amountsubstantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the connected pipesection.

9. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel and an elongate substantiallyrigid pipe section loader means pivotally mounted on the floatingvessel, the method comprising:

establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water;

rotating the ramp means in an angular direction about a substantiallyhorizontal axis to a fixed angular position wherein the longitudinaldirection of extent of the elongate ramp means defines an angle, withrespect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to the desired angleof penetration;

slidably supporting a generally straight portion of pipeline on the rampmeans so as to extend in said longitudinal direction with the remainderof the pipeline depending into the body of water;

supporting, in a stationary position, a section of pipe to be added tothe pipeline on the pipe section loader means with the pipe sectionloader means in a substantially horizontal position;

rotating the loader means in saidangular direction to a stationaryposition wherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the loadermeans and the supported pipe section defines an angle with respect to ahorizontal plane substantially equal to v the desired angle ofpenetration; aligning the pipe section in generally coaxial relationwith said generally straight portion of pipeline;

connecting the pipe section to said generally straight portion ofpipeline;

rotating the loader means in a direction opposite to saidangular'direction to .a substantially horizontal position to receive afurther section of pipe to be added to the pipeline by performing saidsteps of rotating the loader means, aligning the pipe section andconnecting the pipe section; and,

paying out the pipeline into the body of water by an amountsubstantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the connected pipesection,

the step of rotating the loader means ina directionto rotating theloader means in a direction op the ramp means adjacent the upper endthereof and a fixed clamp means supported by the ramp means on a lowerportion thereof, and wherein:

the step of slidably supporting a generally straight portion of pipelineon the ramp means includes initially maintaining the pipelinesubstantially stationary with respect to the vessel by releasablyengaging the generally straight portion of pipeline with the fixed clampmeans; the step of rotating the loader means in said angular directionincludes rotating the loader means to a stationary position supportingthe section of pipe to be added to the pipeline in a position whereinone end thereof is adjacent the end of the generally. straight portionof pipeline and the other end thereof is located adjacent the movableclamp means; the step of paying out theipipeline includes the steps of:engaging the connected pipe section with the movable clamp means so asto maintain the pipeline fixed with respect thereto; releasing the fixedclamp means from engagement with the pipeline; and, lowering thepipeline depending into the body of water while maintaining tension onthe moveable clamp means; the method further including the steps of:

reengaging the pipeline with the fixed clamp means; releasing themoveable clamp means from engagement with the connected pipe section;and, retrieving the moveable clamp means to its initial positionadjacent the upper end of the ramp means. 1 1. A method according toclaim 8 including the step of:

supporting at least one work station platform on the ramp means in agenerally horizontal position and intermediate the-ends of the rampmeans.

12. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid, elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel and supporting a movable clampmeans, a fixed clamp means and'an elongate, substantially rigid, pipesection loader means movably mounted on the floating vessel, the methodcomprising:

establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water;

rotating the ramp means in an angular direction about a substantiallyhorizontal axis to a fixed an gular position wherein the longitudinaldirection of extent of the elongate ramp means defines an angle, withrespect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to the desired angleof penetration;

releasably engaging, with the fixed clamp means, a

generally straight portion of pipeline slidably supported on the rampmeans so as to extend in said longitudinal direction with the remainderof the pipeline depending into the body of water;

placing a'section of pipe to be added to the pipeline on the pipesection loader means located in a lower position thereof;

raising the loader means to a stationary position wherein thelongitudinal direction of extent of the loader means and the supportedpipe section define an angle with respect to a horizontal planesubstantially equal to the desired angle of penetration, and wherein thepipe section is located between the spaced vertical plane through theupper end of the ramp meansand the end of the generally straight portionof pipeline supported on the ramp means;

transferring the pipe section to the-ramp means by which the pipesection is supported in generally coaxial relation with the generallystraight portion of pipeline;

lowering the loader means to a lower position thereof to receive afurther pipe section to be added to the pipeline;

during the lowering step, connecting the pipe section to said generallystraight portion of pipeline;

engaging at least one of the pipe section and the pipeline with themovable clamp means so as to maintain the pipeline fixed with respectthereto;

releasing the fixed clamp means from engagement with the pipeline; and,

paying out the pipeline into the body of water by an amountsubstantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the connected pipesection while maintaining tension on the movable clamp means;

reengaging the pipeline with the fixed clamp means;

releasing the moveable clamp means from engagementwith the connectedpipe section;

retrieving the movable clamp means to its initial position;

repeating-the step of raising the loader means and transferring the pipesection.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the loader means is pivotallymountedfor rotation about the same axis as the axis of rotation of theramp means, the step of raising the loader means comprising:

14. A method according to claim 12 including the step of:

supporting at least one work station platform on the ramp means in agenerally horizontal position and intermediate the ends of the rampmeans.

15. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support meansdefining a generally straight pipeline support for supporting agenerally straight portion of the pipeline on said vessel with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water; y I rampmounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said ramp means formovement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions;

first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintainingsaid pipeline substantially stationary with respect to the ramp means;

second clamp means mounted on said ramp means,

for longitudinal movement from a position adjacent one end of the rampmeans toward and away from the other end of said ramp means, forselectively internally engaging the pipeline so as to be fixed withrespect thereto;

means for restraining longitudinal movement of said second clamp means;and,

pipe section loader means for supplying to said ramp means sections ofpipe to be added to the pipeline.

16. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid, elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on.

the floating vessel and supporting a movable internal clamp means and afixed clamp means, and an elongate substantially rigid, pipe sectionloader means movably mounted on the floating vessel, the methodcomprising:

establishing av desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water;

rotating the ramp means in'an angular direction about a substantiallyhorizontal axis to a fixed angular position wherein the longitudinaldirection of extent of the elongate ramp means defines an angle, withrespect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to the desired angleof penetration;

releasably engaging, with the fixed clamp means, a

generally straight portion of pipeline slidably supported on the rampmeans so as to extend in said longitudinal direction with the remainderof the pipeline depending into the body of water;

' transferring, using the loader means, a pipe section to the ramp meansby which the pipe section is supported in generally coaxial relationwith the section of pipeline;

connecting the pipe section to said generally straight portion ofpipeline;

internally engaging the pipeline with the movable clamp means tomaintain the pipeline fixed with respect thereto;

releasing the fixed clamp means from engagement with the pipeline; and,

a 2, paying out the pipeline into the-body of water by an amountsubstantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the connected pipesection while maintaintion of the pipeline on said vessel with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water, andincluding a pipe section receiving means for supporting a new section ofpipe to be added to thepipeline, said pipe section receiving means beingbounded by spaced vertical planes;

ramp mounting means for pivotally mounting said ramp means on saidfloating vessel;

ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected, stationarypivoted positions;

first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintainingsaid pipeline substantially stationary with respect to said ramp means;second clamp means mounted on said ramp means, for longitudinal movementalong said ramp means for selectively engaging the pipeline so as to befixed with respect thereto; means for controlling longitudinal movementof said second clamp means; elongate substantially rigid, pipe sectionloader means including loader support means for supporting a section ofpipe to be added to the pipeline; loader mounting and moving means formounting said loader means on said floating vessel means for movementbetween a lower pipe section receiving position and selected upperpositions wherein said loader support means is located between thespaced vertical planes bounding said pipe section receiving means; andthird clamp means mounted on said loader means for maintaining a pipesection stationary with respect thereto during upward movement thereof.18. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support meansdefining a pipeline support for supporting a portion of the pipeline onsaid vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into a body ofwater, and including a pipe section receiving means for supporting a newsection of pipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipe section receivingmeans being bounded by spaced vertical planes; ramp mounting and movingmeans for rotatably mounting said ramp means for movement about agenerally horizontal axis to selected stationary positions; meansmounted on said ramp means for controlling payout of said pipeline undertension;

elongate substantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loadersupport means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and

loader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader means on saidvessel for movement between a lower pipe section receiving position andselected upper positions with said loader support means and said rampsupport means being generally. coplaner, and with said loader supportmeans located between the spaced vertical planes bounding said pipesection receiving means.

19. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means into abody of water, the apparatus comprismg:

elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support, meansdefining a pipeline support I for supporting a portion of the pipelineon said vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into thebody of water;

ramp mounting means for pivotally mounting said ramp means on saidfloating vessel at a position intermediate the ends of said ramp means;

ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected, stationarypivoted positions; and,

said elongate ramp means including a terminal guiding section comprisedof elongate guide means, mounted on said ramp means at the end portionthereof adjacent the portion of the pipeline sup,- ported thereby andsurrounding the pipeline by at least about 180, said elongate guidemeans defining a predetermined radius of bend at the terminal portion ofsaid elongate ramp means and controlling the radius of bend of thepipeline as it leaves the terminal portion of the ramp means whilepermitting the pipeling leaving the terminal portion of the ramp meansto attain 'a predetermined radius of bend.

20. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid, elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel and supporting a movable clampmeans and a fixed clamp means, and an elongate substantially rigid pipesection loader means movably mounted on the floating vessel andincluding loader clamp means, the method comprising:

establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water;

rotating the ramp means in an angular direction to a fixed angularposition wherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the elongateramp means defines the angle, with respect to a horizontal plane,substantially equal to the desired angle of penetration;

releasably engaging, with the fixed clamp means, a

portion of pipeline slidably supported on the ramp means so as to extendin said longitudinal direction with the remainder of the pipelinedepending into the body of water;

placing a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline on the pipesection loader means located in a lower position thereof;

clamping the pipe section on the loader means with 6 the loader clampmeans so as to maintain the pipe section substantially stationary withrespect thereto;

raising the loader means to a stationary position adjacent the rampmeans; transferring the pipe section to the ramp means by which the pipesection is supported in generally aligned relation with the end of thepipeline, the step of transferring including releasing the loader clampmeans; lowering the loader means to a lower position thereof to receivea further pipe section to be added to the pipeline; I

connecting the pipe section to said portion of pipeline;- t

engaging at least one of the pipe section and the pipeline with themovable clamp means so as to maintain the pipeline fixed with respectthereto;

releasing the fixed clamp means from engagement with the pipeline; and,

paying out the pipeline into the body of water by an amountsubstantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the connected pipesection while maintaining tension on the movable clamp means; reengagingthe pipeline with the fixed clamp means; releasing the movable clampmeans from engagement with the connected pipe section; and retrievingthe movable clamp means to its initial position.

21. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel and an elongate substantiallyrigid pipe section loader means movably mounted on the floating vessel,the method comprising:

establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water; rotating the ramp means in an angular direction about asubstantially horizontal axis to a fixed angular position wherein thelongitudinal direction of extent of the elongate ramp means defines anangle, with respect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to thedesired angle of penetration;

slidably supporting a portion of'pipeline on the ramp means, on rampsupport means, so as to extend generally in said longitudinal directionwith the remainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water;

supporting, in a stationary position, a section of pipe to be added tothe pipeline on support means of the pipe section loader means with thepipe section loader means in a lower position;

moving the loader means to a stationary position adjacent the ramp meanswith the loader support means and the ramp support means being generallycoplaner to locate the pipe section between the spaced vertical planesthrough the upper end of the ramp means and the end of the portion ofpipeline supported on the ramp means; transferring the pipe section tothe ramp means; connecting the pipe section to the pipeline; returningthe loader means to its lower position; and, paying out the pipelineinto the body of water by an amount substantially equal to thelongitudinal extent of the connected pipe section.

22. A method .of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body ofwater, the method utilizing a substantially rigid elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel, the method comprising:

1. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel means Into abody of water, the apparatus comprising: elongate, substantially rigid,ramp means including ramp support means for slidably supporting agenerally straight portion of the pipeline on said vessel with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water, andincluding a pipe section receiving means for supporting a new section ofpipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipe section receiving meansbeing bounded by spaced vertical planes; ramp moving means for pivotingsaid ramp means to selected, stationary pivoted positions; first clampmeans mounted on said ramp means for selectively maintaining saidpipeline substantially stationary with respect to said ramp means;second clamp means mounted on said ramp means, for longitudinal movementalong said ramp means for selectively engaging the pipeline so as to befixed with respect thereto; means for restraining longitudinal movementof said second clamp means; elongate, substantially rigid, pipe sectionloader means including loader support means for supporting a section ofpipe to be added to the pipeline; loader mounting means for pivotallymounting said loader means on said floating vessel means; and loadermoving means for pivoting said loader means to selected, stationarypivoted positions with said loader support means and said ramp supportmeans being generally coplaner, and with said loader support meanslocated between the spaced vertical planes bounding said pipe sectionreceiving means.
 2. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vesselmeans into a body of water, the apparatus comprising: elongate,substantially rigid, ramp means including ramp support means forslidably supporting a generally straight portion of the pipeline on saidvessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the body ofwater; ramp mounting means for pivotally mounting said ramp means onsaid floating vessel at a position intermediate the ends of said rampmeans; ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected,stationary pivoted positions; first clamp means mounted on said rampmeans for selectively maintaining said pipeline substantially stationarywith respect to said ramp means; second clamp means mounted on said rampmeans, for longitudinal movement along said ramp means for selectivelyengaging the pipeline so as to be fixed with respect thereto; means forrestraining longitudinal movement of said second clamp means; elongate,substantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loader supportmeans for supporting a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline;loader mounting means for pivotally mounting said loader means on saidfloating vessel means; and, loader moving means for pivoting said loadermeans to selected, stationary pivoted positions with said loader supportmeans and said ramp support means being generally coplaner, said loadermeans and said ramp means being mounted for rotation about the sameaxis, and said ramp means being provided with means for receiving saidloader means with said ramp support means and loader support means inlongitudinal alignment.
 3. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floatingvessel means into a body of water, the apparatus comprising: elongate,substantially rigid, ramp means including ramp support means forslidably supporting a generally straight portion of the pipeline on saidvessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the body ofwater, and including a pipe section receiving means for supporting a newsection of pipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipe section receivingmeans being bounded by spaced vertical planes; ramp mounting and movingmeans for rotatably mounting said ramp means for movement about agenerally horizontal axis to selected stationary positions between agenerally horizontal position and a generally vertical position;elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means, includingloader support means fOr supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and, loader mounting and moving means for rotatably mountingsaid loader means for movement about a generally horizontal axis, toselected stationary positions wherein said loader support means and saidramp support means are generally coplaner, and with said loader supportmeans located between the spaced vertical planes bounding said pipesection receiving means.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 including: atleast one work station platform; and means mounting said at least onework station platform on said ramp means so as to remain generallyhorizontal in all positions of said ramp means.
 5. Apparatus for layingpipeline from a floating vessel means into a body of water, theapparatus comprising: elongate, substantially rigid, ramp meansincluding ramp support means for slidably supporting a generallystraight portion of the pipeline on said vessel with the remainder ofthe pipeline depending into the body of water; ramp mounting and movingmeans for rotatably mounting said ramp means for movement about agenerally horizontal axis to selected stationary positions between agenerally horizontal position and a generally vertical position;elongate, substantially rigid, pipe section loader means, includingloader support means for supporting a section of pipe to be added to thepipeline; and, loader mounting and moving means for rotatably mountingsaid loader means for movement about a generally horizontal axis, toselected stationary positions wherein said loader support means and saidramp support means are generally coplaner, said loader means and saidramp means being mounted for rotation about the same axis; and, saidramp means being provided with means for receiving said loader meanswith said ramp support means and loader support means in longitudinalalignment.
 6. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel meansinto a body of water, the apparatus comprising: elongate ramp meansincluding longitudinally spaced ramp support means defining a generallystraight pipeline support for supporting a generally straight portion ofthe pipeline on said vessel with the remainder of the pipeline dependinginto the body of water, and including a pipe section receiving means forsupporting a new section of pipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipesection receiving means being bounded by spaced vertical planes; rampmounting and moving means for rotatably mounting said ramp means formovement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions; first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectivelymaintaining said pipeline substantially stationary with respect to theramp means; second clamp means mounted on said ramp means, forlongitudinal movement from a position adjacent one end of the ramp meanstoward and away from the other end of said ramp means, for selectivelyengaging the pipeline so as to be fixed with respect thereto; means forcontrolling longitudinal movement of said second clamp means; elongate,substantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loader supportmeans for supporting a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline; andloader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader, means on saidvessel for movement between a lower pipe section receiving position andselected upper positions with said loader support means and said rampsupport means being generally coplanar and with said loader supportmeans located between the spaced vertical planes bounding said pipesection receiving means.
 7. Apparatus for laying pipeline from afloating vessel means into a body of water, the apparatus comprising:elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support meansdefining a generally straight pipeline support for supporting agenerally straight portion of the pipeline on said vessel with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water; rampmounting and moviNg means for rotatably mounting said ramp means formovement about a generally horizontal axis to selected stationarypositions; first clamp means mounted on said ramp means for selectivelymaintaining said pipeline substantially stationary with respect to theramp means; second clamp means mounted on said ramp means, forlongitudinal movement from a position adjacent one end of the ramp meanstoward and away from the other end of said ramp means, for selectivelyengaging the pipeline so as to be fixed with respect thereto; means forcontrolling longitudinal movement of said second clamp means; elongate,substantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loader supportmeans for supporting a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline; and,loader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader means on saidvessel for movement between a lower pipe section receiving position andselected upper positions with said loader support means and said rampsupport means being generally coplaner, said ramp means including meansdefining an open loader means receiving area between said one end ofsaid ramp means and said ramp support means; and said loader mountingand moving means including means for positioning said loader supportmeans in said loader means receiving area with the pipe sectionsupported by said loader means generally coaxially aligned with saidgenerally straight portion of pipeline.
 8. A method of laying pipelinefrom a floating vessel into a body of water, the method utilizing asubstantially rigid elongate ramp means pivotally mounted on thefloating vessel and an elongate substantially rigid pipe section loadermeans pivotally mounted on the floating vessel, the method comprising:establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipeline into thebody of water; rotating the ramp means in an angular direction about asubstantially horizontal axis to a fixed angular position wherein thelongitudinal direction of extent of the elongate ramp means defines anangle, with respect to a horizontal plane, substantially equal to thedesired angle of penetration; slidably supporting a generally straightportion of pipeline on the ramp means so as to extend in saidlongitudinal direction with the remainder of the pipeline depending intothe body of water; supporting, in a stationary position, a section ofpipe to be added to the pipeline on the pipe section loader means withthe pipe section loader means in a substantially horizontal position;rotating the loader means in said angular direction to a stationaryposition wherein the longitudinal direction of extend of the loadermeans and the supported pipe section defines an angle with respect to ahorizontal plane substantially equal to the desired angle of penetrationto locate the pipe section between the spaced vertical planes throughthe upper end of the ramp means and the end of the generally straightportion of pipeline supported on the ramp means; aligning the pipesection in generally coaxial relation with said generally straightportion of pipeline; connecting the pipe section to said generallystraight portion of pipeline; rotating the loader means in a directionopposite to said angular direction to a substantially horizontalposition to receive a further section of pipe to be added to thepipeline by performing said steps of rotating the loader means, aligningthe pipe section and connecting the pipe section; and, paying out thepipeline into the body of water by an amount substantially equal to thelongitudinal extent of the connected pipe section.
 9. A method of layingpipeline from a floating vessel into a body of water, the methodutilizing a substantially rigid elongate ramp means pivotally mounted onthe floating vessel and an elongate substantially rigid pipe sectionloader means pivotally mounted on the floating vessel, the methodcomprising: establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipelineinto The body of water; rotating the ramp means in an angular directionabout a substantially horizontal axis to a fixed angular positionwherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the elongate ramp meansdefines an angle, with respect to a horizontal plane, substantiallyequal to the desired angle of penetration; slidably supporting agenerally straight portion of pipeline on the ramp means so as to extendin said longitudinal direction with the remainder of the pipelinedepending into the body of water; supporting, in a stationary position,a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline on the pipe section loadermeans with the pipe section loader means in a substantially horizontalposition; rotating the loader means in said angular direction to astationary position wherein the longitudinal direction of extent of theloader means and the supported pipe section defines an angle withrespect to a horizontal plane substantially equal to the desired angleof penetration; aligning the pipe section in generally coaxial relationwith said generally straight portion of pipeline; connecting the pipesection to said generally straight portion of pipeline; rotating theloader means in a direction opposite to said angular direction to asubstantially horizontal position to receive a further section of pipeto be added to the pipeline by performing said steps of rotating theloader means, aligning the pipe section and connecting the pipe section;and, paying out the pipeline into the body of water by an amountsubstantially equal to the longitudinal extent of the connected pipesection, the step of rotating the loader means in a direction oppositeto said angular direction being performed prior to the step ofconnecting the pipe section to the pipeline; the method furtherincluding the step of supporting the pipe section on the ramp meansprior to rotating the loader means in a direction opposite to saidangular direction.
 10. A method according to claim 8, the methodutilizing a movable clamp means initially supported by the ramp meansadjacent the upper end thereof and a fixed clamp means supported by theramp means on a lower portion thereof, and wherein: the step of slidablysupporting a generally straight portion of pipeline on the ramp meansincludes initially maintaining the pipeline substantially stationarywith respect to the vessel by releasably engaging the generally straightportion of pipeline with the fixed clamp means; the step of rotating theloader means in said angular direction includes rotating the loadermeans to a stationary position supporting the section of pipe to beadded to the pipeline in a position wherein one end thereof is adjacentthe end of the generally straight portion of pipeline and the other endthereof is located adjacent the movable clamp means; the step of payingout the pipeline includes the steps of: engaging the connected pipesection with the movable clamp means so as to maintain the pipelinefixed with respect thereto; releasing the fixed clamp means fromengagement with the pipeline; and, lowering the pipeline depending intothe body of water while maintaining tension on the moveable clamp means;the method further including the steps of: reengaging the pipeline withthe fixed clamp means; releasing the moveable clamp means fromengagement with the connected pipe section; and, retrieving the moveableclamp means to its initial position adjacent the upper end of the rampmeans.
 11. A method according to claim 8 including the step of:supporting at least one work station platform on the ramp means in agenerally horizontal position and intermediate the ends of the rampmeans.
 12. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into abody of water, the method utilizing a substantially rigid, elongate rampmeans pivotally mounted on the floating vessel and supporting a movableclamp means, a fixed clamp means and an elongate, substantially Rigid,pipe section loader means movably mounted on the floating vessel, themethod comprising: establishing a desired angle of penetration of thepipeline into the body of water; rotating the ramp means in an angulardirection about a substantially horizontal axis to a fixed angularposition wherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the elongateramp means defines an angle, with respect to a horizontal plane,substantially equal to the desired angle of penetration; releasablyengaging, with the fixed clamp means, a generally straight portion ofpipeline slidably supported on the ramp means so as to extend in saidlongitudinal direction with the remainder of the pipeline depending intothe body of water; placing a section of pipe to be added to the pipelineon the pipe section loader means located in a lower position thereof;raising the loader means to a stationary position wherein thelongitudinal direction of extent of the loader means and the supportedpipe section define an angle with respect to a horizontal planesubstantially equal to the desired angle of penetration, and wherein thepipe section is located between the spaced vertical plane through theupper end of the ramp means and the end of the generally straightportion of pipeline supported on the ramp means; transferring the pipesection to the ramp means by which the pipe section is supported ingenerally coaxial relation with the generally straight portion ofpipeline; lowering the loader means to a lower position thereof toreceive a further pipe section to be added to the pipeline; during thelowering step, connecting the pipe section to said generally straightportion of pipeline; engaging at least one of the pipe section and thepipeline with the movable clamp means so as to maintain the pipelinefixed with respect thereto; releasing the fixed clamp means fromengagement with the pipeline; and, paying out the pipeline into the bodyof water by an amount substantially equal to the longitudinal extent ofthe connected pipe section while maintaining tension on the movableclamp means; reengaging the pipeline with the fixed clamp means;releasing the moveable clamp means from engagement with the connectedpipe section; retrieving the movable clamp means to its initialposition; repeating the step of raising the loader means andtransferring the pipe section.
 13. A method according to claim 12wherein the loader means is pivotally mounted for rotation about thesame axis as the axis of rotation of the ramp means, the step of raisingthe loader means comprising: rotating the loader means in said angulardirection to a position wherein the loader means is received by the rampmeans.
 14. A method according to claim 12 including the step of:supporting at least one work station platform on the ramp means in agenerally horizontal position and intermediate the ends of the rampmeans.
 15. Apparatus for laying pipeline from a floating vessel meansinto a body of water, the apparatus comprising: elongate ramp meansincluding longitudinally spaced ramp support means defining a generallystraight pipeline support for supporting a generally straight portion ofthe pipeline on said vessel with the remainder of the pipeline dependinginto the body of water; ramp mounting and moving means for rotatablymounting said ramp means for movement about a generally horizontal axisto selected stationary positions; first clamp means mounted on said rampmeans for selectively maintaining said pipeline substantially stationarywith respect to the ramp means; second clamp means mounted on said rampmeans, for longitudinal movement from a position adjacent one end of theramp means toward and away from the other end of said ramp means, forselectively internally engaging the pipeline so as to be fixed withrespect thereto; means for restraining longitudinal movement of saidsecond clamp means; and, pipe section loadEr means for supplying to saidramp means sections of pipe to be added to the pipeline.
 16. A method oflaying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body of water, the methodutilizing a substantially rigid, elongate ramp means pivotally mountedon the floating vessel and supporting a movable internal clamp means anda fixed clamp means, and an elongate substantially rigid, pipe sectionloader means movably mounted on the floating vessel, the methodcomprising: establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipelineinto the body of water; rotating the ramp means in an angular directionabout a substantially horizontal axis to a fixed angular positionwherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the elongate ramp meansdefines an angle, with respect to a horizontal plane, substantiallyequal to the desired angle of penetration; releasably engaging, with thefixed clamp means, a generally straight portion of pipeline slidablysupported on the ramp means so as to extend in said longitudinaldirection with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the body ofwater; transferring, using the loader means, a pipe section to the rampmeans by which the pipe section is supported in generally coaxialrelation with the section of pipeline; connecting the pipe section tosaid generally straight portion of pipeline; internally engaging thepipeline with the movable clamp means to maintain the pipeline fixedwith respect thereto; releasing the fixed clamp means from engagementwith the pipeline; and, paying out the pipeline into the body of waterby an amount substantially equal to the longitudinal extent of theconnected pipe section while maintaining tension on the movable clampmeans; reengaging the pipeline with the fixed clamp means; releasing themoveable clamp means from engagement with the pipeline section;retrieving the moveable clamp means to its initial position; repeatingthe step of transferring a pipe section.
 17. Apparatus for layingpipeline from a floating vessel means into a body of water, theapparatus comprising: elongate, substantially rigid, ramp meansincluding ramp support means for slidably supporting a portion of thepipeline on said vessel with the remainder of the pipeline dependinginto the body of water, and including a pipe section receiving means forsupporting a new section of pipe to be added to the pipeline, said pipesection receiving means being bounded by spaced vertical planes; rampmounting means for pivotally mounting said ramp means on said floatingvessel; ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected,stationary pivoted positions; first clamp means mounted on said rampmeans for selectively maintaining said pipeline substantially stationarywith respect to said ramp means; second clamp means mounted on said rampmeans, for longitudinal movement along said ramp means for selectivelyengaging the pipeline so as to be fixed with respect thereto; means forcontrolling longitudinal movement of said second clamp means; elongatesubstantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loader supportmeans for supporting a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline;loader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader means on saidfloating vessel means for movement between a lower pipe sectionreceiving position and selected upper positions wherein said loadersupport means is located between the spaced vertical planes boundingsaid pipe section receiving means; and third clamp means mounted on saidloader means for maintaining a pipe section stationary with respectthereto during upward movement thereof.
 18. Apparatus for layingpipeline from a floating vessel means into a body of water, theapparatus comprising: elongate ramp means including longitudinallyspaced ramp support means defining a pipeline support for supporting aportion of the pipeline on said vessel with the remainder of thepipeline depEnding into a body of water, and including a pipe sectionreceiving means for supporting a new section of pipe to be added to thepipeline, said pipe section receiving means being bounded by spacedvertical planes; ramp mounting and moving means for rotatably mountingsaid ramp means for movement about a generally horizontal axis toselected stationary positions; means mounted on said ramp means forcontrolling payout of said pipeline under tension; elongatesubstantially rigid, pipe section loader means including loader supportmeans for supporting a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline; andloader mounting and moving means for mounting said loader means on saidvessel for movement between a lower pipe section receiving position andselected upper positions with said loader support means and said rampsupport means being generally coplaner, and with said loader supportmeans located between the spaced vertical planes bounding said pipesection receiving means.
 19. Apparatus for laying pipeline from afloating vessel means into a body of water, the apparatus comprising:elongate ramp means including longitudinally spaced ramp support meansdefining a pipeline support for supporting a portion of the pipeline onsaid vessel with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the bodyof water; ramp mounting means for pivotally mounting said ramp means onsaid floating vessel at a position intermediate the ends of said rampmeans; ramp moving means for pivoting said ramp means to selected,stationary pivoted positions; and, said elongate ramp means including aterminal guiding section comprised of elongate guide means, mounted onsaid ramp means at the end portion thereof adjacent the portion of thepipeline supported thereby and surrounding the pipeline by at leastabout 180*, said elongate guide means defining a predetermined radius ofbend at the terminal portion of said elongate ramp means and controllingthe radius of bend of the pipeline as it leaves the terminal portion ofthe ramp means while permitting the pipeling leaving the terminalportion of the ramp means to attain a predetermined radius of bend. 20.A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into a body of water,the method utilizing a substantially rigid, elongate ramp meanspivotally mounted on the floating vessel and supporting a movable clampmeans and a fixed clamp means, and an elongate substantially rigid pipesection loader means movably mounted on the floating vessel andincluding loader clamp means, the method comprising: establishing adesired angle of penetration of the pipeline into the body of water;rotating the ramp means in an angular direction to a fixed angularposition wherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the elongateramp means defines the angle, with respect to a horizontal plane,substantially equal to the desired angle of penetration; releasablyengaging, with the fixed clamp means, a portion of pipeline slidablysupported on the ramp means so as to extend in said longitudinaldirection with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the body ofwater; placing a section of pipe to be added to the pipeline on the pipesection loader means located in a lower position thereof; clamping thepipe section on the loader means with the loader clamp means so as tomaintain the pipe section substantially stationary with respect thereto;raising the loader means to a stationary position adjacent the rampmeans; transferring the pipe section to the ramp means by which the pipesection is supported in generally aligned relation with the end of thepipeline, the step of transferring including releasing the loader clampmeans; lowering the loader means to a lower position thereof to receivea further pipe section to be added to the pipeline; connecting the pipesection to said portion of pipeline; engaging at least one of the pipesection and the pipeline with the movable clamp means so As to maintainthe pipeline fixed with respect thereto; releasing the fixed clamp meansfrom engagement with the pipeline; and, paying out the pipeline into thebody of water by an amount substantially equal to the longitudinalextent of the connected pipe section while maintaining tension on themovable clamp means; reengaging the pipeline with the fixed clamp means;releasing the movable clamp means from engagement with the connectedpipe section; and retrieving the movable clamp means to its initialposition.
 21. A method of laying pipeline from a floating vessel into abody of water, the method utilizing a substantially rigid elongate rampmeans pivotally mounted on the floating vessel and an elongatesubstantially rigid pipe section loader means movably mounted on thefloating vessel, the method comprising: establishing a desired angle ofpenetration of the pipeline into the body of water; rotating the rampmeans in an angular direction about a substantially horizontal axis to afixed angular position wherein the longitudinal direction of extent ofthe elongate ramp means defines an angle, with respect to a horizontalplane, substantially equal to the desired angle of penetration; slidablysupporting a portion of pipeline on the ramp means, on ramp supportmeans, so as to extend generally in said longitudinal direction with theremainder of the pipeline depending into the body of water; supporting,in a stationary position, a section of pipe to be added to the pipelineon support means of the pipe section loader means with the pipe sectionloader means in a lower position; moving the loader means to astationary position adjacent the ramp means with the loader supportmeans and the ramp support means being generally coplaner to locate thepipe section between the spaced vertical planes through the upper end ofthe ramp means and the end of the portion of pipeline supported on theramp means; transferring the pipe section to the ramp means; connectingthe pipe section to the pipeline; returning the loader means to itslower position; and, paying out the pipeline into the body of water byan amount substantially equal to the longitudinal extent of theconnected pipe section.
 22. A method of laying pipeline from a floatingvessel into a body of water, the method utilizing a substantially rigidelongate ramp means pivotally mounted on the floating vessel, the methodcomprising: establishing a desired angle of penetration of the pipelineinto the body of water; rotating the ramp means in an angular directionabout a substantially horizontal axis to a fixed angular positionwherein the longitudinal direction of extent of the elongate ramp meansdefines an angle, with respect to a horizontal plane, substantiallyequal to the desired angle of penetration; slidably supporting a portionof pipeline on the ramp means so as to extend in said longitudinaldirection with the remainder of the pipeline depending into the body ofwater; and, controlling the radius of bend of the pipeline as it leavesthe terminal portion of the ramp means while permitting the pipelineleaving the terminal portion of the ramp means to attain a predeterminedradius of bend by surrounding the pipeline by at least about 180* withelongate guide shoe means positioned at the terminal portion of the rampmeans adjacent the portion of the pipeline supported thereby anddefining a predetermined radius of bend at that terminal portion of theramp means.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said pipesection receiving means includes means for receiving said loader meanswith said ramp support means and loader support means in longitudinalalignment.
 24. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein: said pipe sectionreceiving means includes means for receiving said loader means with saidramp support means and loader support means in longitudinal alignment.25. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein: SAID pipe section receivingmeans defines an open loader means receiving zone between said one endof said ramp means and said ramp support means; and said loader mountingand moving means includes means for positioning said loader supportmeans in said loader means receiving zone with the pipe sectionsupported by said loader means generally coaxially aligned with saidgenerally straight portion of pipeline.
 26. The method according toclaim 8 wherein: the step of rotating the loader means in said angulardirection to a stationary position comprises rotating the loader meansto a position received by an open loader means receiving zone betweenone end of the ramp means and the slidably supported pipeline portion.